Jacob Pratt dies in fatal Cornish train crash
Jacob Pratt dies in fatal Cornish train crash
Fatal Cache County train crash death of Jacob Pratt – Obituary
Jacob Pratt, a 40-year-old father of three from Logan, was identified by the Cache County Sheriff’s Office as the victim in a deadly collision between a train and a van. According to his obituary, Pratt had lost his hearing at a young age due to spinal meningitis.
The incident occurred on September 18 when Pratt was driving westbound on 14300 North near state Route 23 in Cornish, a rural area of Cache County. The crossing, marked only by a railroad sign, lacked flashing lights or gates to signal the approach of a train.
Pratt’s van was hit by a northbound Union Pacific train. He was the only person in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. According to Lt. Doyle Peck from the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, two cars had successfully crossed the tracks before Pratt’s van attempted to do so, leading to the fatal collision.
Witnesses stated that the train was using its horn to signal its approach, but Pratt, who was deaf, would not have heard it. Images of the crossing show that large trees line the south side of the road near the tracks, potentially obstructing the view of an oncoming train.
Further investigation revealed that a vehicle could be between 30 to 400 feet from the tracks before the train would become visible. The circumstances of why Pratt was on the road remain unclear, though he was driving a company van at the time of the accident. It is not known whether Pratt, an HVAC technician, was in the area for work or had previously traveled on that road.
Pratt’s family and friends have set up a GoFundMe campaign in his memory. “Jacob was loved by so many and left a lasting impact on everyone he met,” the fundraiser states. “His warmth, kindness, and generosity will never be forgotten.” The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Jacob Pratt dies in fatal Cornish train crash Fatal Cache County train crash death of Jacob Pratt – Obituary Jacob Pratt, a 40-year-old father of three from Logan, was identified by the Cache County Sheriff’s Office as the victim in a deadly collision between a train and a van. According to his obituary, Pratt had…
Jacob Pratt dies in fatal Cornish train crash Fatal Cache County train crash death of Jacob Pratt – Obituary Jacob Pratt, a 40-year-old father of three from Logan, was identified by the Cache County Sheriff’s Office as the victim in a deadly collision between a train and a van. According to his obituary, Pratt had…